2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

 Where Style meets Performance!

By Charles Donaldson

So, there are sports cars and then there are Sports Cars. The 2019 Lexus LC 500 coupe falls into the second category. How do I know this? Everyone with whom I have been in conversations with about the vehicle have told me so! My sister-in-law just previewed the San Francisco International Auto Show and on Thanksgiving shared with me that of all the cars she had seen, the only one she would have coveted was the LC 500. She wasn’t the only person who placed the Lexus LC 500 high on their wish list, “People constantly came up to me, and loved the car.”

The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is probably the most recent, exciting car in the Lexus fleet. It isn’t for the faint of heart.  My model was packing 471 horses under the hood and priced with options at $105,345. What’s interesting about the LC is that it makes a statement declaring worth the price with a roar and style confirming it!

Heads turned wherever I drove, eyes grew large and tongues wagged. It is drop-dead gorgeous and an attention grabber! The 5.0-liter V8 rumbles with power hungry to be released. Let me tell you, it was both easy and fun to let the beast out.

Pricing and Trims
For 2019, the Lexus LC 500 is available in two trim levels LC 500 ($93,225) and LC 500h Hybrid ($97,735).

What’s new for 2019?
The 2019, the LC 500 is pretty much unchanged. With that said, Lexus did update the Adaptive Variable Suspension system for a more comfortable ride, altered the programming on the 10-speed transmission to enable smoother shifts, and altered the assist levels in the power steering. Lexus also added a new color – Obsidian. They added, as well, Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa integration, however, decided to hold off on adding Android Auto. 

Interior Highpoints
The interior is plush with standard features including a 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM ready, leather front 10-way power driver leather seat, NuLuxe rear seats, blue tooth, 10.3-inch LCD TFT multi-information display with mouse-like touch-pad controls, drape-like surface design with ambient illumination of door panels, satin, metallic finish throughout, and aluminum foot pedals. The LC 500 features two USB ports and a 12V socket, Siri® Eyes Free, and SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start.  An optional ($1,220) Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System is available, which sounds amazing. The interior sports a back seat for namesake, but there is zero legroom. The seats are comfortable for short drives but after driving to Carmel and back to the Tri-Valley, my back was a bit sore.

Exterior Highlights
What can I say about the exterior design? It is a work of art! Every swooping angle is crafted with perfection and elegance. The LC 500’s wide hips are masculine and sexy. I wish I could pull that off! The LC sits low and wide and from any approach - looks assertive. The trunk will not hold much cargo, however, manages fine for your day-to-day storage needs. The car is simply gorgeous!

Performance Specs
Let me start by saying the Lexus LC 500 is exciting to drive! Powered by a 471-hp 5.0-liter V8, the LC 500 is much more powerful than its Hybrid brother. The Hybrid, which is going for economy and more nature friendly, generates 295 horses from a 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 that combines with an electric motor and battery pack to upgrade the status to 354 total horsepower. Now that’s a hybrid! Both power plants are connected to a very smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The LC 500 rockets to 60-miles per hour in only 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 168-mph. The fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 – 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The LC 500 is rear-wheel drive.

Cool Features:

·         The speedometer slides to the right allowing for new info and commands to appear in the dash

·         Rear Pop-up Spoiler

·         Unique Styling

·         Self-revving engine when starting the car

Safety Integrity
The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is well-equipped with safety features including: Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function for all positions except driver (driver's only equipped with ELR), entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume-adjustable confirmation tone and rolling code technology, Lexus Enform Service Connect and Safety Connect with Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assist Button, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, vehicle theft-deterrent system.

In Summary – The 2019 Lexus LC 500 is a fabulous “two-seater” with style and grace and a lot of horsepower! It’s a dream to witness, drive and ride in. It’s sporty and sexy at the same time. It turns onlookers’ heads so easily, that if a team of chiropractors should follow you, they would make a million bucks quickly. The LC isn’t for everyone – while you’ll need a lot of cash on hand, it’s not a family car. If you meet the LC’s demographics – go out and have a “joy” ride in the 2019 LC 500 coupe! 

Specifications.

2019 Lexus LC 500 Coupe

Base price:	$92,200 as driven: $105,345 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	V8, 5.0 Liter DOHC 32-valve
Horsepower:	471 hp @ 7100 RPM
Torque:	398 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
Transmission:	10-speed automatic
Drive:	Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating:	4-passenger
Cargo space:	5.4 cubic feet
Curb weight:	4,280 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 16/Hwy 25/Comb 19 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	21.7 gallons
Turning Circle:	17.7 ft.
Wheelbase:	113 inches
Warranty:	4 years/50,000-miles
Also consider:	Acura NSX, Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M6, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911

2018 GMC Terrain

The Next Generation!

By Charles Donaldson

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my sedan with a crossover SUV. I do have a few vehicles at the top of my list, yet, after driving the all-new GMC 2018 Terrain, I find that my favorites have changed. The areas important to me are reliability, power, space, technology features, comfort, gas mileage, and price, however, not always in that order.

The 2018 GMC Terrain is all-new and addresses the issues of the last generation that weren’t measuring up with the technology features and interior quality of its competitor vehicles. The folks at GMC took note and redesigned and restructured the Terrain to elevate it to a compelling small 5 passenger compact crossover SUV.

Interestingly, GMC managed to shrink the 2018 Terrain by over 3-inches in length without sacrificing much head and legroom. The weight also dropped by 400 pounds which contributes to its improved fuel MPG. The new sheet metal allows the Terrain to finally standout and turn heads.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels, but I will break it up into six to share some Diesel engine prices. The base is the SL FWD ($25,990), is followed by the SLE FWD ($28,815) and AWD ($30,565), SLT FWD ($32,315) and AWD ($34,065). The top of the line Denali is priced at FWD ($38,515) and AWD ($40,265), The SLE and SLT are also available with a Diesel engine and priced at FWD ($32,585) and AWD ($34,335), and FWD ($35,160) and AWD ($36,910) respectively.

What’s new for 2018?
The 2018 GMC Terrain has been completely redesigned for its 2^nd-generation. It offers a new turbo-diesel engine and new 9-speed transmission. Stop/Start technology is featured on all systems. The 2018 Terrain is dressed in an all-new interior including an expanded center console with pass-through storage. A new fold-flat front passenger seat with flat-folding rear seat offers more loading options.  Additional active safety technologies are designed to assist the driver.

 

Interior Highpoints
The base Terrain comes with cloth seats. Our model, the Denali, had leather seats that were very comfortable. Both front and rear seats were enjoyable to ride in. The dash is clean, and the center console was easy to operate. GM upped the game with its IntelliLink infotainment system that includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Terrain Denali model has an upgrade 8-inch touchscreen with two additional USB ports.  A wireless charging system is also available. With the front passenger’s seat folding flat creates a notable 81 cubic feet of storage. More and more manufactures are getting away from the typical gear shifter. The Terrain elected to go with a push-button shifting system on the console that I must admit did take a little time to get used to. I do appreciate the extra storage space created due to the lack of a center shifter.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior is bold with sharp-edged lines and flat fender wheel wells. The Terrain has a unique look that manages to scream tough, yet, sophisticated. As noted earlier, the 2018 Terrain is shorter and lighter than Gen One. Improved handling was conceived by pushing the wheels a bit more towards the corners of the vehicle. At the front is a big powerful grille with wishbone-gazing headlamps. The rear quarter panels raise high into the rear-side glass making an impactful look, while, at the same time, manifesting a challenge to see out of.

Performance Specs
The 2018 Terrain is offered with 3 engine choices. The SL, SLE, and SLT come with a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter gas engine. The Denali is equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 252 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque. All gas engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLE and SLT are also available with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel (137 hp, 240 lb.-ft of torque) and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cool Features:

·         OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (requires membership after a 3-month trial)

·         Seat vibrating lane warning system (optional feature)

·         Multiple USB outlets

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Terrain filled the safety option list with blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Six standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain and thorax side-impact air bags, collapsible pedal assembly, standard rear-vision camera, Rear Seat Reminder alerts when the second-row doors are opened before the vehicle is started, Driver Alert Package I is available on SLE and SLT and standard on Denali. Content includes Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safety Alert Driver Seat. Driver Alert Package II is available on SLT and Denali. Content includes Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam headlamps. The Advanced Safety Package is available on Denali and includes Automatic Parking Assist and Surround Vision.

In Summary – The All-New 2018 GMC Terrain is an impressive generation change. All areas of improvement were made, and the Terrain stands out in the crowd. Its size and category might have shrunk, but its overall quality and functionality has increased. It is a fun-to-drive vehicle that is capable and has style. The 2018 Terrain is the right size for families looking to seat 5 and have a flexible amount of cargo options. Its price may be higher than others, but in most cases, it’s worth it. Take it out for a test drive and see if the Terrain will entice you to take it home. 

Specifications.

2018 GMC Terrain Denali AWD

Base price:	$39,270 as driven: $44,370 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	4-clyinder, 2.0 Liter Turbo Charged
Horsepower:	252 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque:	260 lb.-ft. @ 2500 RPM
Transmission:	9-speed automatic
Drive:	All-Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo space:	63.3 cubic feet
Curb weight:	3,636 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 21/Hwy 26/Comb 23 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	14.9 gallons
Turning Circle:	41.6 ft.
Wheelbase:	107.3 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav-4

2018 Ford Expedition

  
The New Benchmark for Full-Size SUVs!

By Charles Donaldson

Upon deciding to plan a couple of family camping trips to Pinecrest Lake, I needed to secure a vehicle that could transport us and all of our camping gear - not an easy task. The first trip started off with a grouping for three adults and one 10-year-old, followed by an over-nighter with just my 10-year-old son. Our choice of vehicle was the 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum edition. On both adventures, the Expedition was amazing!

Trip one, with the third row of seats powered in their down position we had a wealth of cargo space to easily address the needs of our over-packed equipment and supplies. From tents to sleeping bags, fishing equipment to beach provisions, and eatables to chairs for around the fire. We had the room and what was even better, we had the comfort too. My son was thrilled that the Platinum setup came equipped with dual rear-seat DVD players. My fellow front-seat companion and I felt animated with the heat/cooling front seats with a back and bottom massaging feature. I sure put it through its paces!

Trip two, being a quick one, my son and I decided to ditch the tent and instead move our supplies to the front seat and lay out the air mattress in the back after reclining the second and third row of seats. We pulled back the screen from the Panoramic Vista Roof® and stared at the stars until we fell quickly to sleep.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, Ford Expedition is available in three trim levels XLT 2WD ($52.985) and 4WD ($55,995), Limited 2WD ($63,870) and 4WD ($66,995), and Platinum 2WD ($74,225) and 4WD ($77,370). A longer version called the Expedition Max comes in the same three trim levels XLT 2WD ($55,670) and 4WD ($58,680), Limited 2WD ($66,560) and 4WD ($69,685), and Platinum 2WD ($76,915) and 4WD ($80,060).

What’s new for 2018?
The Ford Expedition has been fully redesigned for 2018 with a more modern exterior and updated interior with new features. The extended-length Expedition is now called the Max and has an expanded wheelbase of over 9-inches and overall length of almost 12-inches. Ford has increased the horsepower on the EcoBoost® V6 and introduced a new 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers the best-in-class towing of up to 9,300 pounds.  Ford calls the 2018 Ford Expedition “the smartest, most capable, most adaptable Expedition ever.” It features a lightweight, high-strength, all-aluminum-alloy body that rides on a high-strength steel frame. 

Interior Highpoints
The interior of the Expedition is clean, comfortable and full of options. My test vehicle was the 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum and had more technical features than my house. The Drive Mode selector is operated by turning a knurled round knob located in the center console. No large shifter needed! The center dash/infotainment screen is easy to operate the radio, phone, navigation, apps, radio volume/tuning and heat-air controls. On my test vehicle we also had a 110-volt plug and radio and heating/controls in the second- row seating area. This is with plenty of storage and USB connections. My test vehicle also was equipped with a phone-charging platform, self-parking, dual-glove boxes, dual-screen DVD player in the front head rest, 360-degree backup camera, and heated/cooling front seats.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior leans more toward Ford’s crossover lineup verses the F-150 pickup truck that it is based on. Think big brother design features of the Ford Explorer. The All-new Expedition looks beautiful and stylish and it doesn’t project the typical boxy-big SUV feel of its competitors. Its shape is clean and cohesive with a modern feel. The panoramic sunroof feel brings the outside in. At 210-inches long and 221.9-inches with the MAX version, the 2018 Expedition is a very big vehicle, yet delivers a smooth, confident ride.

Performance Specs
Performance is impressive with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder that generates 400 horsepower and 480 pounds of torque in the Platinum and 375 horsepower and 470 pounds of torque in the XLT and Limited models. The engine is mated to Ford’s new 10-speed SelectShift® (yes, that is correct) automatic transmission. The Expedition and Expedition MAX are both available in 2WD and 4WD driver configurations.

Cool Features:

·         Power third row seat up/down feature

·         Back and Bottom-massaging (optional feature)

·         Multiple USB outlets

·         New Sync Connect adds a Wi-Fi hotspot

·         Enough room to comfortably sleep in!

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Ford Expedition has a long checklist of safety features. Starting with a three-point safety belts for all seating positions, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, Airbags – Dual-stage front and front-seat side, Airbags – three-row Safety Canopy® System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor, Belt-Minder® front safety belt reminder, Brakes – 4-wheel disc with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Individual tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare), LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children, Perimeter alarm, Rearview camera with washer, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, Traction control, and Trailer sway control.

In Summary – The 2018 Ford Expedition and Expedition MAX are great family vehicles for those who either have lots of family or lots of gear to haul or need a place to sleep! With its new updated appearance, power engine, and a plethora of safety and technology features, the all-new Expedition is ready for any challenge. It can get pricey and escalates fast, so it’s not for every budget. If, however, $50K to $80K is the range you are shopping in, then the 2018 Ford Expedition should be on your shopping list. This Ford is built to impress, and it does!

Specifications

2018 Ford Expedition MAX 4WD

Base price:	$80,060 as driven: N/A (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	V6, EcoBoost, 3.5 Liter
Horsepower:	400 hp @ 5000 RPM
Torque:	480 lb.-ft. @ 3250 RPM
Transmission:	10-speed automatic
Drive:	Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating:	6-passenger
Cargo space:	121.5 cubic feet
Curb weight:	5,793 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 16/Hwy 21/Comb 18 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	28.3 gallons
Turning Circle:	43.3 ft – 40.0 ft
Wheelbase:	131.6 inches
Warranty:	3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider:	Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Infiniti QX, Lincoln Navigator